Cubs 2, Athletics 1

vs.

The Cubs won their spring-training opener today against the Oakland A's. A great performance by the Cubs, highlighted by an Aramis Ramirez two-run homer and two sharp innings by starter Carlos Zambrano. Ramirez hit a towering blast over the left-field wall in the 4th inning, after A's pitcher Joe Blanton hit SS Nomar Garciaparra on the hand. Ramirez is feeling good about 2005, and has confidence in the lineup. "We have a good hitting team," Ramirez said. "With all the hitters we have, I feel as if I don't have to carry the team." Zambrano pitched two scoreless innings, yielding 1 walk while striking out 1.

For the A's, starter Dan Haren pitched two shutout innings in his A's debut. Catcher Jason Kendal, acquired from the Pirates this offseason, knocked in the Athletics' only run in the 3rd inning on an RBI double, plating rookie Nick Swisher.

Overall, a good performance by both teams. Hopefully, as the spring progresses, the Cubs' bats will awaken and provide a bit more run support for the pitchers. Pitching for both teams was excellent, and 5 Cub pitchers held the A's to 4 hits, while the Cubs were held to 5 hits. No errors today, and this was a great spring opener. I hope this is a prelude to good things in the regular season.